Racquet sport training device and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A racquet sport training device, including a housing with an exterior surface and an attachment portion arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet The device includes a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and having: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor; and a user interface electrically connected to the computer. The vibration sensor is arranged to detect a vibration at the exterior surface. The computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for counting occurrences of vibrations in a stringed racquet.

BACKGROUND

It is known to keep track of a number of hits made with a racquet by using a hand held device such as a clicker or by a mental tally.

SUMMARY

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a racquet sport training device, including a housing with an exterior surface and an attachment portion arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet The device includes a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and having: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor; and a user interface electrically connected to the computer. The vibration sensor is arranged to detect a vibration at the exterior surface. The computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a method of accounting for impacts on a string of a racquet using a device including a housing with an exterior surface and an attachment portion, and a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and including a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface, a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor, and a user interface electrically connected to the computer. The method includes: engaging a plurality of strings for the racquet with the attachment portion such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet; detecting, using the vibration-sensing element, a vibration of the at least one string at the exterior surface; and recording, using the computer, each occurrence of the vibration.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a racquet sport training device, including a housing with an exterior surface having first and second walls facing in opposite directions and including first and second slots, respectively, arranged to receive a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is compressively engaged with the plurality of strings. The device includes a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and including: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration-sensing element and including a memory element; and a user interface electrically connected to the computer and including a graphical display and an audio device. The vibration sensor is arranged to transmit a signal to the computer for each occurrence of a vibration at the exterior surface. The computer is arranged to: record each occurrence of the vibration above a threshold level; store a record of each occurrence of the vibration above the threshold level; and operate the user interface to transmit a graphical display or an audio signal regarding information related to each occurrence of the vibration above the threshold level. The information includes: a cumulative number of each occurrence of the vibration above the threshold level; a cumulative number of each occurrence of the vibration above the threshold level; or attainment of a predetermined number of each occurrence of the vibration above the threshold level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a racquet sport training device engaged with a racquet;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the racquet sport training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the racquet sport training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the racquet sport training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the racquet sport training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a racquet sport training device engaged with a racquet; and,

FIG. 7 is a back view of the racquet sport training device and racquet of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of racquet sport training device 100 engaged with racquet R.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of racquet sport training device 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of racquet sport training device 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of racquet sport training device 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of racquet sport training device 100 of FIG. 1. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 5. Device 100 includes housing 102 including exterior surface 104 and attachment portion 106. The device also includes sensor assembly 108, disposed within the housing, and including, vibration sensor 110, engaged with the exterior surface, for example, mechanically engaged, computer 112 electrically connected to the vibration sensor, and user interface 114 electrically connected to the computer. Attachment portion 106 is arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet, such as strings S1 and S2 of racquet R, such that the exterior surface is engaged with one or more of the strings. The vibration-sensing element is arranged to detect a vibration at surface 104, for example, caused by one or more strings for the racquet. The computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration.

The vibration sensor, computer, and user interface can be any vibration sensor, computer, or user interface known in the art. The housing can be made of any material known in the art, for example, plastic or metal.

In an example embodiment, the strings S1 and S2 are oriented in a direction from handle H for the racquet to end E of the racquet opposite the handle. For example, strings S1 and S2 are the center main strings of a tennis racquet. However, it should be understood that other strings so oriented can be used to engage the device.

In an example embodiment, the computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration only for a vibration above a threshold level. That is, in order to be recorded by the computer, the vibration must have a minimum amplitude. This arrangement prevents the recordation of spurious vibrations. For example, if the device is used to record each time a tennis ball is struck by the racquet, the threshold prevents vibrations associated with events such as jiggling or bouncing the racquet in the hand of the player from being recorded and incorrectly counted as ball strikes.

In an example embodiment, the exterior surface includes oppositely facing end walls 116 and 118 and the attachment portion includes slots 120 and 122 formed in end walls 116 and 118, respectively. Slots 120 and 122 are arranged to receive strings S. In an example embodiment, slots 120 and 122 are arranged to receive the plurality of strings in compressive engagement. For example, strings S1 and S2 apply force to the housing in directions D1 and D2, respectively. This compressive engagement aids in keeping the device engaged with the strings and can increase the responsiveness of the device to vibrations in the strings.

In an example embodiment, the computer is arranged to store, in the memory element, a record of each occurrence of the vibration. In an example embodiment, the computer is arranged to transmit, using the user interface, information regarding the occurrences of the vibration. In an example embodiment, the information includes a cumulative number of the occurrences of the vibration, a cumulative number of the occurrences of the vibration compared to a predetermined number, or attainment of a predetermined number of the occurrences of the vibration. Thus, the information can be regarding how many tennis balls have been hit, how many tennis balls have been hit compared to a predetermined number (for example, a number of hits desired for a training session), or when the predetermined number of hits has been reached.

In an example embodiment, the user interface includes audio device 124 and when the cumulative number of vibrations (hits) or the attainment of the predetermined number of vibrations (hits) is reached, the computer is arranged to operate the audio device to transmit an audible signal. In an example embodiment, the user interface includes screen 126 and the computer is arranged to operate the screen to display the cumulative number of the occurrences of the vibration (hits); the cumulative number of the occurrences of the vibration (hits) and the predetermined number; or the attainment of the predetermined number of vibrations (hits). In an example embodiment, other information such as time of day can be displayed on the screen.

In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly includes location sensor 128 for detecting when the attachment portion is engaged or disengaged with the plurality of strings and the user interface includes audio device 124. When the attachment portion is accidently or unintentionally disengaged from the plurality of strings, the audio device is arranged to transmit an audible signal. For example, if the device is unintentionally disengaged during use, the audible signal can be used to locate the device.

In an example embodiment, the housing includes side wall 130 connecting the end walls and the attachment portion includes slot 132 formed in the side wall. Slot 132 is arranged to receive a string, for example, string S3.

The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1-5. In an example embodiment, slots 120, 122, or 132 include one or more protrusions 134. Space 136 between the protrusions or a protrusion and an opposite side of the slot is less than a diameter for a string. Portions 138 of the walls forming the slots are sufficiently resilient such that the string can be forced through space 136. However, space 136 being less than the diameter of the strings helps to keep the strings in the slots. Two protrusions each are shown for slots 120 and 122, and one protrusion is shown for slot 132. However, it should be understood that other combinations of slots and protrusions are possible.

FIG. 6 is a front view of racquet sport training device 100 engaged with racquet R.

FIG. 7 is a back view of racquet sport training device 100 and racquet R of FIG. 6. The housing includes bottom surface 140 connecting the end walls. In an example embodiment, the bottom surface includes slots 141 arranged to receive strings such that the bottom surface/slots contact at least one string of the racquet, for example, strings S3 and S4. Thus, device 100 is wide enough such that strings S1 and S2 in slots 120 and 122, respectively, are separated by strings S3 and S4. Having the bottom surface in contact with the strings can increase the sensitivity and responsiveness of the device to string vibrations.

In an example embodiment, device 100 includes reset button 142 and select button 144 for resetting operating modes and selecting operating modes, respectively. Device 100 can be powered by any means known in the art, for example, battery 146 or solar device 148.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A racquet sport training device, comprising: a housing including: an exterior surface; and, an attachment portion arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet; and, a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and including: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor; and, a user interface electrically connected to the computer, wherein: the vibration sensor is arranged to detect a vibration at the exterior surface; the computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration. the sensor assembly includes a location sensor; the user interface includes an audio device; and, when the attachment portion is disengaged from the plurality of strings, the location sensor transmits a signal to the computer and the computer is arranged to operate the audio device to transmit an audible signal.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the computer is arranged to record said each occurrence of the vibration only for a vibration above a threshold level.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein: the housing includes first and second oppositely facing end walls; the attachment portion includes first and second slots formed in the first and second end walls, respectively; and, the first and second slots are arranged to receive the plurality of strings.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second slots are arranged to receive the plurality of strings in compressive engagement.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein: the housing includes a bottom surface connecting the first and second end walls; and, the bottom surface is arranged to contact the at least one string.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the bottom surface includes at least one slot arranged to receive the at least one string.
 7. The device of claim 3, wherein: the housing includes a side wall connecting the first and second end walls; the attachment portion includes a third slot formed in the side wall; and, the third slot is arranged to receive a string from the plurality of strings.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein: the computer includes a memory element; the computer is arranged to store, in the memory element, a record of said each occurrence of the vibration; and, the computer is arranged to transmit, using the user interface, information regarding said each occurrence of the vibration.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the information includes: a cumulative number of said each occurrence; a cumulative number of said each occurrence and a predetermined number; or, attainment of a predetermined number of said each occurrence.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein: the user interface includes an audio device; and, when the cumulative number or the attainment is reached, the computer is arranged to operate the audio device to transmit an audible signal; or, wherein: the user interface includes a screen; and, the computer is arranged to operate the screen to display: the cumulative number of said each occurrence; the cumulative number of said each occurrence and the predetermined number; or, the attainment of the predetermined number of said each occurrence.
 11. (canceled)
 12. A method of accounting for impacts on a string of a racquet using a device including a housing with an exterior surface and an attachment portion, and a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and including a location sensor and a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface, a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor, and a user interface electrically connected to the computer and including an audio device, the method comprising: engaging a plurality of strings for the racquet with the attachment portion such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet; detecting, using the vibration-sensing element, a vibration of the at least one string at the exterior surface; recording, using the computer, each occurrence of the vibration detecting, using the location sensor, when the attachment portion is disengaged from the plurality of strings; transmitting a signal from the location sensor to the computer; and, operating, using the computer, the audio device to transmit an audible signal.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein recording each occurrence includes recording said each occurrence only for a vibration above a threshold level.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein: the housing includes first and second oppositely facing end walls; the attachment portion includes first and second slots formed in the first and second end walls, respectively; and, engaging the plurality of strings includes disposing the plurality of strings in the first and second slots.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein disposing the plurality of strings in the first and second slots includes compressively engaging the housing with the plurality of strings.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein: the housing includes a bottom surface connecting the first and second end walls, the method further comprising contacting the bottom surface with the at least one string; and, detecting the vibration includes detecting the vibration on the bottom surface; or, wherein: the housing includes a bottom surface connecting the first and second end walls; and, the bottom surface includes at least one slot, the method further comprising disposing the at least one string in the at least one slot, wherein detecting the vibration includes detecting the vibration on the bottom surface.
 17. The device of claim 12, wherein: the housing includes a side wall connecting the first and second end walls; the attachment portion includes a third slot formed in the side wall; and, engaging the plurality of strings includes disposing a string from the plurality of strings in the third slot.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the computer includes a memory element, the method further comprising: storing, in the memory element, a record of each occurrence of the vibration; and, displaying, using the computer and the user interface, information regarding said each occurrence of the vibration, the information including: a cumulative number of said each occurrence; a cumulative number of said each occurrence and a predetermined number; or, attainment of a predetermined number of said each occurrence.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the user interface includes an audio device, the method further comprising when the cumulative number or the attainment is reached, operating, using the computer, the audio device to transmit an audible signal; or, wherein the user interface includes a screen, the method further comprising operating, using the computer, the screen to display: the cumulative number of said each occurrence; the cumulative number of said each occurrence and the predetermined number; or, the attainment of the predetermined number of said each occurrence.
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. A racquet sport training device, comprising: a housing including: an exterior surface; and, an attachment portion arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet; and, a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and including: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor and including a memory element; and, a user interface electrically connected to the computer, wherein: the vibration sensor is arranged to detect a vibration at the exterior surface; the computer is arranged to: record each occurrence of the vibration; and, transmit, using the user interface, information regarding said each occurrence of the vibration; and, the information includes: a cumulative number of said each occurrence compared to a predetermined number; or, attainment of a predetermined number of said each occurrence. 